COMMENTS FROM THE PANEL:Alan Carter: Viki, Niki, little Tommy...hasn't she played everything but a tuna sandwich? She could probably do that, too...if asked.

Connie Passalacqua Hayman (Marlena De Lacroix): At the same time, Slezak's Viki is the consummate soap opera heroine, because she has so harrowingly and humanistically triumphed over all her life's tragedies. Slezak's great classic acting, her dignity and her unparalleled professionalism make her daytime's top dramatic actress.

Jonathan Reiner: It simply would not be a Top 50 list without mentioning the Julie Andrews of daytime and her many Emmys for the DID storyline.

Roger Newcomb: She has won six well-deserved Emmys and the hearts of millions of ONE LIFE TO LIVE fans over the past 39 years. The list would not be complete without her.

Damon L. Jacobs: Very few actresses can convincingly hold the integrity of a woman suffering with Disassociative Identity Disorder. But to be able to do that while breathing life to 7 different alters, all with believable identities and personalities, is the hallmark of a phenomenal talent. This beautiful, dignified, and arguably underutilized talent remains one of the last classic soap heroines on television. She deserves this honor, she deserves the Emmys, and so much more.

COMMENTS FROM CO-STARS/CO-WORKERS/INDUSTRY:Kale Browne: (worked with Slezak on OLTL) Doesn't get any better than working with Erika. A terrific human being, always on top of her game and always tells the truth. A no-BS babe.

I have to say this disappointed me as well. If Beverlee McKinsey could not snag the #1 spot, it should definitely go either to Erika Slezak or Susan Flannery. There's little question that Kim Zimmer is the other remaining name out there & I'm sorry, while Zimmer is a fine actress, she pales in comparison to McKinsey, Slezak & Flannery.

I think the Julie Andrews comment is an apt comparison. They both are elegant. They both are classy. They both have brought much respect to their genres. And, they both have commanded that high level of perfection from their co-stars by just being who they are.

I disagree. As a matter of fact, I had Susan Flannery pegged for the #3 spot with the top spot being between Erika Slezak and Kim Zimmer and now that Erika took #3 I don't see Susan placing above Kim. Shefar from pales in comparison, same league, yes. Below them, absolutely not.

I had either Judith Light or Beverlee McKinsey at Number 1. While I think that Susan Flannery, Kim Zimmer and Erika Slezak are terrific actresses, none touches Light or McKinsey in terms of sheer acting ability. (I don't think that the number of Emmys is the definitive arbiter of acting ability.)When Light or McKinsey was on screen, I could not take my eyes off of either one.

I love me some Erika Slezak and have watched her OLTL since I was in high school. I am happy with her position but I was hoping for #2. I think Susan Flannery will get #1 and that is great. Remember Susan was also Laura Horton on Days for several years before joing B&B so maybe that gave her the higher spot.